Austin Woman's Club

The Austin Woman's Club was founded on April 25, 1928 in Austin, Texas, for "the support of an educational undertaking, the study of literary, civic, patriotic, artistic and other cultural subjects," and to provide a place for women to gather, learn, and network. The first president was Mrs. Sam Smith, 1928-30. Subsequent presidents served one to two year terms. In addition to the President, there is a governing Board of Directors and numerous subject committees. An annual yearbook was printed to detail the club bylaws, active officers and members, and annual events. There were 164 charter members, including women from prominent families in Austin during the 1920s. Membership grew steadily to reach 563 members by the late 1970s, and in 1996 the club had 362 members. There were strict guidelines for membership including annual membership fees and a considerable nominating process that required final approval by the Board of Directors. Members were involved in a wide array of activities, primary amongst which were committee delegations that addressed specific concerns of the organization. These committees also discussed the philanthropic mission of the club, and managed numerous projects. Some important past activities include furnishing Austin with its first outdoor opera, a weekly speakers series, promotion of local historic areas in and around Austin, and a scholarship that provided financial assistance for women completing a degree at the University of Texas at Austin. Under the presidency of Mrs. J.O. Marberry (1937-39) the Junior Austin Woman's Club was organized to prepare future members of the AWC. Members of the JAWC were daughters and daughters-in-law of current club members.

Chateau Bellevue, originally built in 1892 and now a historic Texas landmark, became the official clubhouse of the AWC in 1929. The clubhouse was frequently rented to clubs affiliated with AWC for meetings and events. The Chateau Bellevue dining room functioned as a steady stream of revenue for the club. The mission of the club has expanded over the years to include the preservation of the historic clubhouse. As of 2009 the club is still active and in possession of the clubhouse.

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